Network device and printer

ABSTRACT

Provided is a network device for generating print data in accordance with the information resources received from outside, and sending the print data to a printer, which can easily install or update a color conversion table or a printer driver, etc. necessary for generating the print data. Whereby, the network device for generating print data in accordance with the information resources received from outside, and sending the print data to a printer is configured to be able to, by itself, access a prescribed site on the network at the prescribed time, such as when the printer is tuned on, and appropriately download a color conversion table or a printer driver, etc. in order to utilize it.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device comprising a function forgenerating print data in accordance with information resources receivedfrom outside, and specifically to a device such as a network board orprinter capable of acquiring a color conversion table or printer driver,etc. necessary for generating print data via the network.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship of a conventionalprinter and host computer. FIG. 4A shows a case in which a printer 102is directly connected to a host computer 101 by a connecting cable 103.In this case, when documents or images from the host computer 101 areprinted, a printer driver 104 installed on the host computer 101generates print data from information resources to be printed(information of a format such as TXT (TeXT) , HTML (HyperText MarkupLanguage) or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)), in a prescribedformat (a printer-compatible format, i.e. a format described byprinter-interpretable language (printer control language)) , and sendsthe print data to the printer 102. Thereafter, the printer 102interprets the received print data, and executes printing in accordancewith the requirement thereof. When the printer driver 104 generatesprint data, a color table 105 (color conversion table) necessary for thecolor conversion process, a font data 106 necessary for text dataprocess and so on is used.

The printer driver 104, color table 105 and font data 106, etc. used inprinting are generally prepared for each model of printer to generateprinter-specific print data which is applicable to the printer 102 inwhich printing is executed. Accordingly, in the case of FIG. 4A, whenthe printer 102 is first used, the printer driver 104, color table 105and font data 106, etc. for the printer 102 must be installed to thehost computer 101 from a CD 107, etc. which is provided with the printer102. The font data 106 which already existed in the host computer 101may be used, so that the installation thereof is omitted.

In the installation, the host computer 101 searches the printer 102 foridentification information via the connecting cable 103, and the printerdriver 104, etc. corresponding to identification information sent backfrom the printer 102 is installed from the CD 107.

An example shown in FIG. 4B is a case in which a printer 202 comprises anetwork board 208, and is connected to a network 203 such as a LAN(Local Area Network). In this case, although it is possible to requestprinting from a plurality of host computers 201 connected to the network203 to the printer 202, even in such case, the print data specific tothe printer 202 is generated in each of the host computers 201, so thateach of the host computer 201 requires a printer driver 204, color table205 and font data 206, etc. for the printer 202.

The installation of these items is, as is the case in FIG. 4A, conductedby acquiring these items from a CD 207 or a prescribed location on thenetwork 203 in accordance with the identification information which isacquired from the printer 202.

In this manner, in the conventional printer, printing has always beenexecuted via a host computer, and print data applicable to a printer hasbeen generated in the host computer. Accordingly, a printer driver, etc.specific to each model of printers has been prepared in the hostcomputer upon commencing use of the printer or updating the printerdriver, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As the requirements of a printer are diversified due to the latest rapiddiffusion of the internet and the development of various kinds ofdigital equipment connected to the internet, it is assumed that there isa case in which printing constantly via the host computer is notefficient. For example, it is assumed that a case in which the printedinstruction is directly given from any device other than a computer,such as mobile phone, will increase. Accordingly, hereafter, a printeris desired that is capable of independently acquiring informationresources to be printed from the network, generating print data, andexecuting printing not via the host computer.

Such printer must comprise a printer driver, etc. to independentlygenerate print data. Therefore, as one method, a method for giving afunction of the printer driver to a network device (e.g. network boardor network box) controlling an interface function with the network whichis equipped in the printer, or used by being connected to the printer isconceivable. In this case, there is a problem how the printer driver,etc. which varies according to each model of printers to be used, iseasily installed on the network device to foster versatility of thenetwork device, and to make it applicable to various models of printers.

Moreover, as the printer driver, etc. is frequently updated, theupdating operation to a new version may occur at any time even afterinstalling the printer driver. Accordingly, it is desirable that theupdating operation can also be easily conducted.

An object of the present invention is to provide a network device forproviding an interface function with the network for a printer, whereina color conversion table or printer driver, etc. necessary forgenerating print data or executing printing can be easily installed andupdated.

To achieve this object, one aspect of the present invention is that anetwork device for generating print data in accordance with informationresources received outside, and sending the print data to a printer byitself accesses a prescribed site on the network at a prescribed timesuch as when it is tuned on, and appropriately downloads and uses printrelated information such as the color conversion table or printerdriver, etc. Accordingly, in the present invention, as the networkdevice itself appropriately acquires the necessary print relatedinformation, it facilitates the installation and updating operation, sothat there is no inconvenience for an operator of the printer (networkdevice) or the host computer. Moreover, the network device comprisingsuch function can be easily applied to a different model of printers,and may thus be a versatile network device.

Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide aprinter comprising a function to generate print data in accordance withinformation resources received outside, and to execute printing, whereina color conversion table or printer driver, etc. necessary forgenerating print data or executing printing can be easily installed andupdated.

To achieve this object, another aspect of the present invention is thata printer for generating print data in accordance with informationresources received outside, and executing printing independentlyaccesses a prescribed site on the network at a prescribed time such aswhen it is turned on, and appropriately downloads and uses print relatedinformation such as color conversion table or printer driver.Consequently, according to the present invention, as a printer itselfappropriately acquires necessary print related information, itfacilitates the installation or updating operation, and there is noinconvenience for an operator of the printer or the host computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the network related to Embodiment 1 of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of a networkboard 2 related to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process according to an initializationprogram 252 of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a relationship between theconventional printer and a host computer;

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of a networkboard 2 related to the modified example of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process conducted according to atransient information acquisition program;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another network related to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a network related to Embodiment 2 of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of a printer 1related to Embodiment 2;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process conducted according to aninitialization program 252 of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of a printer 1related to the modified example of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1

Hereafter, explained by referring to the drawings is Embodiment 1 of thepresent invention. However, this Embodiment is not limited to thetechnical scope of the present invention. Concerning the drawings, thesame or similar drawings are explained by putting the same referencenumber or reference mark.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network according to Embodiment 1 of aprinter utilizing the present invention. In the drawing, a printer 1 isthe printer utilizing the present invention, and a network board 2installed in the printer 1 is the network device according to thepresent invention. The printer 1 is connected to a LAN 3 and a network 5via the network board 2. The network 5 includes the internet as well asthe network of a home environment (e.g. a network, in which the homegateway is a server, and the printer is a client).

Here, in FIG. 1, although the network board 2 installed in the printeris disclosed as a network device, the network device is not necessarilylimited to such configuration, but may be another configuration such asa network box, which is singly implemented independently of the printer(see FIG. 7).

Moreover, although only one is shown in the drawing, a number of contentdistribution servers 9 which provide various kinds of content(information resources to be printed) are situated on the network 5.

Furthermore, a driver distribution server 8 for providing a printerdriver, etc. for the printer 1 is equipped. This driver distributionserver 8 is, for example, provided by each printer manufacturer, andprepares information necessary for generating print data (hereinafterreferred to as the “print related information”) for each model ofprinter such as printer driver (for example, current printer driver) ,color conversion table (color table) , font data or font renderer.

If there exists a plurality of the driver distribution server 8, alocation information distribution server 10 may be provided whichcomprises a function to compatibly memorize what print relatedinformation is stored on any of the driver distribution servers 8, andto send location information of the driver distribution server 8 whererequested print related information is stored, according to the inquiryfrom the network device.

The network board 2 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a function forreceiving print data sent from a host computer 4 such as a personalcomputer connected to the LAN 3, and sending the print data to theprinter 1 as the printer 1 executes printing thereof in accordance withthe print data.

Moreover, the network board 2 also comprises a function for acquiringcontent to be printed from the content distribution server 9, generatingprint data in accordance with the content, and sending the print data tothe printer 1 as the printer 1 executes printing thereof.

The usage of these functions enables, for example, pursuant to theinstructions from a mobile phone 7 via the network 5, the network board2 to acquire the instructed content from the prescribed contentdistribution server 9 to execute printing according to the content inthe printer 1, or to receive image data of a digital camera 6 connectedto the network 5 to print out in the printer 1. Furthermore, it alsoenables any prescribed information to be collected from a plurality ofthe content distribution server 9 pursuant to the stored job, to printout in a prescribed layout every morning.

Furthermore, the content include image data, and text data as well asintermediate data (e.g. band image data) generated in the process ofgenerating the print data. For example, if the intermediate data is sentfrom the host computer 4, or is acquired from the content distributionserver 9 as content, the network board 2 may generate print data inaccordance with the intermediate data, and send the print data to theprinter 1.

Embodiment 1 ensures the above matters by equipping the network board 2with the function for acquiring information resources or the functionfor generating print data that had conventionally been performed by thehost computer 4. Accordingly, the network board 2, for generating theprint data, must be comprised of print related information necessary forgenerating print data such as printer driver, color table or font datawhich is applicable to the printer 1.

The network board 2 according to this Embodiment which comprises suchconfiguration and functions as explained referring to FIG. 1 ischaracterized in that the network board 2 itself acquires the printerdriver, etc. for the printer 1 necessary for generating print data froma prescribed location on the network 5 (e.g. the driver distributionserver 8) at a prescribed time, and thereby, intends to reduce theoperation of installation or updating of the printer driver, etc.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an internal configuration of the networkdevice 2 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in the drawing, the printer1 consists of the network board 2, a controller 11 and an engine 12,etc.

The network board 2, as described above, receives print data via thenetwork such as the LAN 3, or acquires information resources to beprinted to generate print data.

The controller 11, as in the case of the conventional device, receivesprint data, proceeds with a binary process thereunder, and sends aprinting instruction in synchronization with the engine 12, and controlsthe engine 12. The engine 12 executes the actual printing in accordancewith the printing instruction.

The network board 2 comprises a network transceiving part 21 whcihundertakes an interface function with the network such as the LAN 3, anda printer transferring part 22 which is a part where the print datareceived or generated by the network board 2 itself is sent to thecontroller 11.

In a flash ROM 25, various kinds of programs or data to execute theabove functions that the network board 2 comprises, or print relatedinformation is stored, which is utilized in a CPU 23 and RAM 24 toactually proceed with various kinds of processes.

A content acquisition program 251 is a processing program for acquiringinformation resources to be printed as instructed from the host computer4 or mobile phone 7, etc., via the LAN 3 or the network 5, from aprescribed location (content distribution server 9). As informationresources, for example, information of a format such as TXT (TeXT), HTML(HyperText Markup Language) or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)is considered.

A driver program 253 is a program to realize a function of the printerdriver. The driver program 253 judges whether the information receivedin the network transceiving part 21 is the content or print data. In thecase of print data, the print data is directly sent to the controller11, and otherwise, print data to be sent to the controller 11 isgenerated in accordance with the content, upon which a color table 254and a font data 255, etc. similarly installed in the flash ROM 25 areused. The driver program 253, color table 254 and font data 255, etc.,as described above, are the print related information specific to amodel of printers, and must be prepared to be applicable to the printer1. Among these, despite not being shown in the drawing, a program forrendering font, etc. (font renderer) is prepared as necessary.

Finally, an initialization program 252 is a part to realize a functioncharacteristic in the network board 2, which proceeds with a process toacquire the print related information such as the driver program 253,color table 254, etc. and font data 255 applicable to the printer 1where the network board 2 is installed (the version applicable to theprinter 1), from a prescribed location on the network 5 (driverdistribution server 8) at a prescribed time such as when the printer 1is turned on.

The inside of the printer 1, specifically inside of the network board 2,is configured as explained above, and hereafter, explained is aprocessing flow for acquiring print related information in accordancewith the initialization program 252. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing anexample of the processing flow.

As shown in FIG. 3, firstly, the printer 1 is turned on (FIG. 3, stepS1) . Upon receipt of the signal thereof, the network board 2 confirmsthe printer 1 model in accordance with the initialization program 252(FIG. 3, step S2). Specifically, the network board 2 acquiresidentification information such as the ID number of the printer 1 fromthe controller 11. Next, the network board 2 confirms a version of printrelated information, such as the driver program 253, color table 254,font data 255 and font renderer for the printer 1 (a model of theprinter 1) stored in the flash ROM 25 (FIG. 3, step S3).

Next, the network board 2 accesses the driver distribution server 8 onthe network 5 which distributes print related information for theprinter 1 via the network transceiving part 21, LAN 3 and network 5(FIG. 3, step S4).

Here, the network board 2 may be configured to first access the locationinformation distribution server 10. In such case, the network board 2sends inquiry information, including identification information of printrelated information for the printer 1 to the location informationdistribution server 10. The location information distribution server 10comprises a database to store the location information of the driverdistribution server 8 which prepares print related information bycorresponding to the identification information of the print relatedinformation, and upon receiving the inquiry information from the networkboard 2, extracts the applicable location information from the databasein accordance with the identification information of the print relatedinformation in the inquiry information, and sends the locationinformation to the network board 2. Thereby, the network board 2 mayaccess the driver distribution server 8 where the print relatedinformation for the printer 1 is stored in accordance with the receivedlocation information.

Next, the network board 2 confirms a version of the print relatedinformation for the printer 1 prepared in the driver distribution server8 (FIG. 3, step S5) .

Next, the network board 2 compares the version of the print relatedinformation retained on the network board 2 itself which is confirmed inthe step S3 to the version on the server which is confirmed in the stepS5 (FIG. 3, step S6).

As a result of the comparison, if these versions are the same, or theversion retained on the network board 2 itself is newer (FIG. 3, stepS7, “No”) , the network board 2 does not proceed with any specificprocess as it has already retained the applicable print relatedinformation.

On the other hand, if the version retained on the network board 2 itselfis older, and must be replaced with the newer print related information(FIG. 3, step S7, “Yes”) , the print related information prepared in thedriver distribution server 8 is downloaded, and the older print relatedinformation of the flash ROM 25 is replaced by the downloaded new printrelated information (FIG. 3, step S8).

Thereafter, upon generating print data, the updated version of the printrelated information is used by the time of the next update (FIG. 3, stepS9). Moreover, even if the print related information retained on thenetwork board 2 itself is an old version, it may be considered that areplacement is not required in the case of there being little differencebetween the old version and the version prepared in the driverdistribution server 8, for example, in the case of performanceimprovement only and not in order to correct a malfunction.

The comparison between the versions of the print related information,judgement whether or not the version is updated, and updating may beconducted with respect to each unit, the version of which is managed(e.g. every driver program or color table) .

A processing flow describing with dotted line in FIG. 3 describes anexample of another processing feature. In the processing flow describingwith straight line in FIG. 3, the network board 2 conducts thecomparison between the versions of the print related informationretained on the network board 2 itself and the version of the printrelated information retained on the driver distribution server 8, andjudges whether or not print related information is downloadedthereunder; on the contrary, in this example, the driver distributionserver 8 conducts such comparison and judgement. Accordingly, as shownin FIG. 3, step S5, S6 and S7 are respectively replaced to step S5′, S6′and S7′.

Specifically, the network board 2, after accessing the driverdistribution server 8 (FIG. 3, step S4), notifies the driverdistribution server 8 (FIG. 3, step S5′) of the version of the printrelated information retained by the network board 2 itself, and thedriver distribution server 8 conducts the comparison (FIG. 3, step S6′), and judges, according to the results of the comparison, whether or notthe print related information of the network board 2 should be replaced(FIG. 3, step S7′) . The result of the judgement is sent to the networkboard 2, and thereafter the process is the same as the case in theprocessing flow describing with straight line.

Furthermore, if the network board 2 does not originally own the printrelated information for the printer 1, naturally “Yes” is selected inthe step S7 of FIG. 3, and the version prepared by the driverdistribution server 8 is downloaded and installed.

Moreover, before accessing the driver distribution server 8 (or locationinformation distribution server 10) (FIG. 3, step S4) or downloadingfrom the driver distribution server 8 (FIG. 3, step S8) , a step that anoperator of the printer 1 (or network board 2) judges whether or not toproceed, with the following processes may be adopted, which enables anadequate response even in the case where it is not preferable to connectto the network 5, or it is not desirable to update the existing printrelated information.

In the example according to FIG. 3, although it is determined that thetime when the network board 2 acquires the print related information isthe time when the power is tuned on, alternatively, it may be the timewhen the printer 1 (network board 2) receives the instruction of a user.For example, it is the time when the buttons provided the printer 1,etc., are touched, or the printer 1 (network board 2) receives theinstruction thereof from a user via the LAN 3.

If the location where the driver distribution server 8 for providing theprinter driver, etc. (e.g. an address on the network 5) is installedchanges, and such change is previously known to the driver distributionserver 8, the information of the future location to be accessed may beincluded in the downloaded print related information to be sent to thenetwork board 2.

As explained according to FIG. 3, in the printer 1, as the network board2 itself updates the version of the print related information such asthe driver program 253, etc., there is no inconvenience in thisinstallation and updating operation. Moreover, even if the network board2 is used in any other printer, as the network board 2 itself acquiresand installs the print related information applicable to the printer,the work of the operator is reduced. As the network board 2 may bebroadly utilized in a plurality of the printer 1, the mass productioncost of the network board 2 may be reduced.

Embodiment 2

Next, explained is Embodiment 2 of the present invention referring tothe drawings.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the network according to Embodiment 2 of aprinter utilizing the present invention. In the drawing, a printer 1 isa printer according to the present invention. The printer 1 internallycomprises a network transceiving part 21, through which the printer 1 isconnected with a LAN 3 and a network 5. The network 5 includes theinternet as well as the network of a home environment (e.g. network, inwhich the home gateway is a server, and the printer is a client)Moreover, although only one is shown in the drawing, there exist anumber of content distribution servers 9 which provide various kinds ofcontent (information resources to be printed) on the network 5.

Furthermore, a driver distribution server 8 for providing the printerdriver, etc. for the printer 1 is installed. The driver distributionserver 8 is, for example, provided by each printer manufacturer, andprepares print related information for each model of printer such asprinter driver (e.g. the current printer driver) , color conversiontable (color table) , font data or font renderer.

If there exists a plurality of the driver distribution server 8, alocation information distribution server 10 may be installed whichcomprises a function to compatibly memorize what print relatedinformation is stored on any of the driver distribution servers 8, andto send location information of the driver distribution server 8 wherethe requested print related information is stored in accordance with therequest from the printer.

The printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 comprises a function forreceiving print data sent from a host computer 4 such as a personalcomputer connected to the LAN 3, and executing printing in accordancewith the print data.

Moreover, the printer 1 also comprises a function for acquiring contentto be printed from the content distribution server 9 by itself,generating print data in accordance with the content, and executingprinting.

The usage of these functions enables, for example, pursuant to theinstruction from a mobile phone 7 via the network 5, the printer 1 toacquire the instructed content instructed by the prescribed contentdistribution server 9 to execute printing, or to receive image data of adigital camera 6 connected to the network 5 to print out in the printer1. Furthermore, it also enables any prescribed information to becollected from a plurality of the content distribution server 9 pursuantto the stored job to be printed out in a prescribed layout everymorning.

Furthermore, the content include image data, and text data, as well asintermediate data (e.g. band image data) generated in the process ofgenerating print data. For example, if intermediate data is sent fromthe host computer 4, or is acquired from the content distribution server9 as content, the printer 1 may generate print data in accordance withthe intermediate data, and execute printing.

Embodiment 2 ensures the above matters by equipping the printer 1 withthe function for acquiring information resources or the function forgenerating the print data that had conventionally been performed by thehost computer 4. Accordingly, the printer 1, for generating the printdata, must be comprised of print related information necessary forgenerating print data such as printer driver, color table and font data,etc. which is applicable to the printer 1.

The printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 which comprises suchconfiguration and function as explained referring to FIG. 8 ischaracterized in that the printer 1 itself acquires the printer driver,etc. for the printer 1 necessary for generating print data from aprescribed location on the network 5 (e.g. driver distribution server 8)at a prescribed time, and thereby, intends to reduce the installation orupdating operation of the printer driver, etc.

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an internal configuration of the printer 1according to Embodiment 2. As shown in the drawing, the printer 1consists of a network transceiving part 21, print data transferring part22, CPU 23, RAM24, flash ROM25, controller 11 and engine 12, etc.

The Printer 1, as described above, receives print data via the networksuch as the LAN 3, or acquires information resources to be printed togenerate print data.

The controller 11, as in the case of the conventional device, receivesprint data, proceeds with a binary process thereunder, sends printinstructions, etc. in synchronization with the engine 12, and controlsthe engine 12. The engine 12 executes the actual printing in accordancewith the print instruction.

The network transceiving part 21 acts as an interface function with thenetwork such as the LAN 3. The print data transferring 22 is the partwhere the print data received or generated by the printer 1 itself istransferred to the controller 11.

In the flash ROM 25, various kinds of programs, data or print relatedinformation to execute the above functions comprised in the printer 1are stored, which are utilized in the CPU 23 and RAM 24 to actuallyproceed with various kinds of processes.

A content acquisition program 251 is a processing program for acquiringinformation resources to be printed as instructed from the host computer4 or mobile phone 7 via the LAN 3 or the network 5 from a prescribedlocation (content distribution server 9). As information resources, forexample, information of a format such as TXT (TeXT) , HTML (HyperTextMarkup Language) , or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) isconsidered.

A driver program 253 is a program to realize a function of the printerdriver. The driver program 253 judges whether the information receivedin the network transceiving part 21 is the content or print data. In thecase of print data, the print data is directly sent to the controller11, and otherwise, print data to be sent to the controller 11 isgenerated in accordance with the content, upon which the color table 254and font data 255, etc. similarly installed in the flash ROM 25 areused. The driver program 253, a color table 254 and a font data 255,etc., as described above, are the print related information specific toa model of printers, and must be prepared to be applicable to theprinter 1. Among these, despite of not being shown in the drawing, aprogram for rendering font, etc. (font renderer) is prepared asnecessary.

Finally, an initialization program 252 is a part to realize a functioncharacteristic in the printer 1, which proceeds with a process toacquire print related information such as the driver program 253, colortable 254 and font data 255, etc., applicable to the printer 1 (theversion applicable to the printer 1) from a prescribed location (driverdistribution server 8 ) at a prescribed time such as when the printer 1is turned on.

The inside of the printer 1 is configured as explained above, andhereafter explained is a processing flow for acquiring print relatedinformation in accordance with the initialization program 252. FIG. 10is a drawing showing an example of the processing flow.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the printer 1 is turned on, first, theinitialization program 252 is started (FIG. 10, step s21). The printer 1confirms a version of print related information such as the driverprogram 253, color table 254, font data 255 and font renderer which areincluded in the flash ROM 25 of the printer 1 (FIG. 10, step S22).

Next, the printer 1 accesses the driver distribution server 8 on thenetwork 5 which distributes print related information for the printer 1via the network transceiving part 21, LAN 3 and network 5 (FIG. 10, stepS23).

Here, the printer 1 may be configured to first access the locationinformation distribution server 10. In such case, the printer 1 sendsinquiry information, including the identification information of printrelated information for the printer 1, to the location informationdistribution server 10. The location information distribution server 10comprises a database to store the location information of the driverdistribution server 8 which prepares print related information bycorresponding to the identification information of the print relatedinformation, and upon receiving the inquiry information from the printer1, extracts the applicable location information from the database inaccordance with the identification information of the print relatedinformation in the inquiry information, and sends the locationinformation to the printer 1. Thereby, the printer 1 may access thedriver distribution server 8 where the print related information for theprinter 1 is stored in accordance with the received locationinformation.

Next, the printer 1 confirms a version of print related information forthe printer 1 prepared in the driver distribution server 8 (FIG. 10,step S24) .

Next, the printer 1 compares the version of print related informationretained on the printer 1 itself which is confirmed in the step S22 tothe version on the server which is confirmed in the step S24 (FIG. 10,step S25).

As a result of the comparison, if these versions are the same, or theversion retained by the printer 1 itself is newer (FIG. 10, Step S26,“No”), the printer 1 does not proceed with any specific process as italready retains the applicable print related information.

On the other hand, if the version retained on the printer 1 itself isolder, and must be replaced with the newer print related information(FIG. 10, step S26, “Yes”), the print related information prepared inthe driver distribution server 8 is downloaded, and the older printrelated information of the flash ROM 25 is replaced by the downloadednew print related information (FIG. 10, step S27).

Thereafter, upon generating print data, the updated version of the printrelated information is used by the time of the next update (FIG. 10,step S28). Moreover, even if the print related information retained onthe printer 1 itself is an old version, it may be considered that it isnot required to be replaced in the case in which there is littledifference between the old version and the version prepared in thedriver distribution server 8, for example, in the case of performanceimprovement only and not in order to correct a malfunction.

The comparison between the versions of the print related information,judgement whether or not the version is updated, and updating may beconducted with respect to each unit, the version of which ismanaged(e.g. every driver program or color table) .

A processing flow describing with dotted line in FIG. 10 describes anexample of another processing feature. In the processing flow describingwith straight line in FIG. 10, the printer 1 compares the versionsbetween the print related information retained on the printer 1 itselfand the print related information retained on the driver distributionserver 8, and judges whether or not the print related information isdownloaded thereunder; on the contrary, in this example, the driverdistribution server 8 undertakes such comparison and judgement.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10, steps S24, S25 and S26 arerespectively replaced to steps S24′, S25′ and S26′.

Specifically, the printer 1, after accessing the driver distributionserver 8 (FIG. 10, step S23), notifies the driver distribution server 8of the version of the print related information retained on the printer1 itself (FIG. 10, S24′), and the driver distribution server 8undertakes the comparison (FIG. 10, step S25′) , and judges, accordingto the results of the comparison, whether or not the print relatedinformation of the printer 1 should be replaced (FIG. 10, step S26′).The result of the judgement is sent to the printer 1, and thereafter theprocess is the same as the case in the processing flow describing withstraight line.

Moreover, before accessing the driver distribution server 8 (or locationinformation distribution server 10) (FIG. 10, step S23) or downloadingfrom the driver distribution server 8 (FIG. 10, step S27), a step thatan operator of the printer 1 judges whether or not it proceeds with thefollowing process maybe adopted, which enables an adequate response evenin the case where it is not preferable to connect to the network 5, orit is not desirable to update the existing print related information.

In the example according to FIG. 10, although it is determined that thetime the printer 1 acquires the print related information is the timewhen the power is turned on, alternatively, it may be the time when theprinter 1 receives the instruction of a user of the printer 1.Specifically, it is the time when the printer 1 is activated by thebuttons provided in the printer 1, etc., or receives the instructionthereof from a user via the LAN 3.

If the location where the driver distribution server 8 for providing theprinter driver, etc. (e.g. an address on the network 5) is installedchanges, and such change is previously known to the driver distributionserver 8, the information of the future location to be accessed may beincluded to the downloaded print related information to be sent to theprinter 1.

As explained according to FIG. 10, in the printer 1, the printer 1itself updates the version of the print related information such as thedriver program 253, etc., so that there is no inconvenience in thisinstallation and updating operation.

(Modified Example)

As the font data 255 stored in the flash ROM 25 of the network board 2(or the printer 1) generally has a large volume of data, it is notpreferable to prepare, at any time, the current font data 255 and fontrenderer for all fonts considering the recording capacity or theprocessing speed according to the initialization program 252.

The same applies to the other print related information, and it may notbe preferable to prepare, at any time, all of the print relatedinformation considering the recording capacity, etc.

Accordingly, in the network board 2 (or the printer 1), the printrelated information which is always required to generate the print data(dependent on the model of the printer) , is highly versatile, or isfrequently used, should preferably be installed. On the contrary,concerning the print related information which is specific to certaininformation resources, is low in versatility, or is infrequently used,it is desirable that it is installed or updated to the current versionas necessary.

In the modified example, the print related information is classified tobe managed according to the installation (acquirement) priority.Specifically, the print related information which is, dependent on amodel of printers (e.g. printer driver or color conversion table, etc.),versatile, or frequently used (e.g. basic font data or font renderer,etc.) is classified into a high-priority installation group (hereinafterreferred to as “resident group”), and the print related informationwhich is specific to certain information, is not versatile, or isinfrequently used (e.g. special font data or font renderer, etc.) isclassified into a low-priority installation group (hereinafter referredto as “transient group”). This modified example is configured to improvethe memory efficiency or processing speed by varying the time to acquireprint related information, the judgement whether or not print relatedinformation should be acquired, or the area to be stored, in each group.

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of the printer 1according to the modified example. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing theinternal configuration of the printer 1 according to the modifiedexample in case that the printer 1 itself comprises the functionalconfiguration of the network device.

As shown in the drawing, in the modified example, in addition to theconfiguration of the embodiments, the transient information acquisitionprogram 256 and the transient information deletion program 257 arestored in the flash ROM 25. Explained below is the operation andconfiguration which is different from the embodiments.

The initialization program 252, in principle, conducts the same processas the processing flow in FIG. 3 (or FIG. 10). However, theinitialization program 252 is considered to make an acquisition,judgement or to update only with regard to the print related informationclassified in the resident group.

The transient information acquisition program 256 is a program to makeacquisition, judgement or update with regard to the print relatedinformation classified in the transient group.

Hereafter, explained is a processing flow conducted according to thetransient information acquisition program. FIG. 6 is a drawing showingthe processing flow. In the processing flow, as an example of the printrelated information classified in the transient group, the formatinterpreter program and font data are described.

The transient information acquisition program 256 activates when thecontent acquisition program 251 acquires the information resources to beprinted.

Firstly, the network device 2 (or printer 1) extracts the format type ofthe information resources and the font type used in the acquiredinformation resources in accordance with header information of them(FIG. 6, step S10).

Next, the network device 2 (or printer 1) judges whether or not theformat interpreter program corresponding to the extracted format typeand the font data corresponding to the extracted the font type areinstalled in the printer 1 (FIG. 6, step S11)

If it is judged that they are installed, the process is terminated.Consecutively, the driver program 253 activates to generate print datain accordance with the acquired information resources.

On the contrary, if it is judged that any of them are not installed(FIG. 6, step S11 “Yes”), the printer 1 accesses the locationinformation distribution server 10 via the network transceiving part 21,LAN 3 and network 5, and makes an inquiry of the location of theapplicable driver distribution server (FIG. 6, step S12). In case thelocation information is known, the printer 1 may directly access thedriver distribution sever 8 on the network 5 where the non-installedformat interpreter program or/and font data are distributed.

The location information distribution server 10 searches the database inresponse to the inquiry, and sends to the printer 1 the locationinformation of the research result as response information. As a resultof the research, if the location information is not found (if theapplicable location is not registered in the database) , the responseinformation indicating that the location is unknown will be sent to theprinter 1.

The printer 1 judges whether or not the response information receivedfrom the location information distribution server 10 indicates that thelocation is unknown (FIG. 6, step S13), and in case that the location isunknown, the format interpreter program or font data already installedin the printer 1 is set up as a substitute program or substitute fontdata.

On the contrary, if the response information received from the locationinformation distribution server 10 indicates the location (FIG. 6, stepS12 “No”), the printer 1 accesses the driver distribution server 8 ofthe location, the non-installed format interpreter program or/and fontdata are downloaded to be installed in the printer 1, and the processterminates (FIG. 6, step S14).

Next, explained is a transient information deletion program 257. Thetransient information deletion program 257 is a program which deletesthe print related information classified in the transient group.

The transient information deletion program, for example, activates inthe print completion stage. However, as the activating time ischangeable depending on the design, the transient information deletionprogram 257 may be configured to activate in the stage of completion ofgenerating the print data, or transferring the print data to thecontroller 11.

Specifically, the network device 2 (or printer 1) judges whether or notthe print related information of the transient group is used to generatethe print data, which are completed to be printed. If it is judged thatthe print related information of the transient group is not be used, theprocess terminates. On the contrary, if it is judged that the printrelated information of the transient group is used, it is uninstalled(deleted) from the network device 2 (or printer 1).

The configuration of such transient information acquisition program 256and transient management program 257 enables control of the printrelated information classified in the transient group to be acquiredonly as necessary, and installed in the network device 2 (or printer 1)only for as long as necessary. As a result, the memory efficiency orprocessing speed of the network device 2 (or printer 1) may be improved.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the transient information deletionprogram 257 is configured to periodically activate. In such case, it isdesirable that the area where the printer related information is storedamong the memory areas of the flash ROM 25 is categorized to be managedin at least two areas; of a memory area X where the information of theresident group is stored, and a memory area Y where the information ofthe transient group is stored. The transient information deletionprogram 257 regularly checks the activity ratio of the memory area Y,and in case the activity ratio is more than a certain ratio (e.g. morethan 90%) , concerning all print related information stored in thememory area Y, extracts the installation time or date or the frequencyof use, etc., and uninstalls, for example, in the order of installationor frequency from lowest to highest.

As explained above, as the network device (or printer) according to theembodiments acquires for itself the program or data necessary forgenerating print data from a prescribed location on the network at theprescribed time, it eliminates the inconvenience of installation orupdating the operation of the program or data. Moreover, in the modifiedembodiment, the font data and font renderer, etc. are managed as theprint related information of the transient group, and the print relatedinformation of the transient group is acquired and installed whenrequired, just during the required period, and only for the requiredpart, so that it is capable of decreasing the recording capacity andincreasing the speed of the process conducted at the prescribed time.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but may bediversely modified for various uses. For example, the informationresources received from outside are not limited to the information to beprinted itself, but may include the location information such as thecontent distribution server, etc. where the information to be printed isstored. In such case, the network board of the present invention willspecify a content distribution server, etc. to be accessed according tothe information resources received outside the network, and furtheracquire the content (information resources) from the contentdistribution server to generate print data in accordance with thecontent.

The scope of the protection of the present invention is not limited tothe embodiments, but covers the invention and equivalent thereofdescribed in the claims.

As described above, according to the present invention, since thenetwork board (or printer) itself appropriately acquires the printrelated information, it can facilitate the installation or updateoperation thereof, so that there is no inconvenience for the operator ofthe printer or host computer. Furthermore, the network board comprisingsuch function is applicable to different models of the printers, and maybecome a network board which is more applicable for general purposes.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2000-350818filed on Nov. 17th, 2000, No. 2001-319926 filed on Oct. 17, 2001 and No.2001-319927 filed on Oct. 17, 2001, including specifications, claims,drawings and summaries are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

1. A printer network board for generating print data in accordance withinformation resources received from outside, and sending said print datato a printer, characterized in that print related information necessaryfor generating said print data is appropriately acquired from aprescribed location on the network at a prescribed time; said print datais generated by using said acquired print related information, and sentto said printer and the network board confirms a model of the printer inwhich the network board is contained at a predetermined time.
 2. Anetwork device according to claim 1, characterized in that saidinformation resources are appropriately acquired from a prescribedlocation on the network.
 3. A network device according to claim 1,characterized in that said information resources are either image data,text data, or intermediate data generated in the process of generatingprint data.
 4. A network device according to claim 1, characterized inthat said prescribed time is either when said printer is turned on, uponreceipt of instructions from a user, or upon receipt of said informationresources.
 5. A network device according to claim 1, characterized inthat said print related information comprises at least either a colorconversion table, printer driver program, font data or font rendererprogram.
 6. A network device according to claim 1, characterized in thatsaid print related information is classified under at least two groupsin accordance with the priority of acquisition thereof.
 7. A networkdevice according to claim 6, characterized in that the print relatedinformation classified under a high-priority installation groupcomprises at least either a color conversion table, printer driverprogram, basic font data or basic font renderer program.
 8. A networkdevice according to claim 6, characterized in that the print relatedinformation classified under a low-priority installation group comprisesat least either a program for interpreting a format of said informationresources to be received, font data of the font which is included insaid information resources or the font renderer program of said font. 9.A network device according to claim 6, characterized in that saidnetwork device, concerning a memory area for storing print relatedinformation, classifies and manages the storage area for each of saidgroups.
 10. A network device according to claim 6, characterized in thatsaid network device, concerning print related information under alow-priority installation group, appropriately deletes the print relatedinformation at a prescribed time.
 11. A network device according toclaim 1, characterized in that said network device, upon acquiring printrelated information, accesses a server providing location information ofthe print related information, and inquires for the location informationon the network of the print related information.
 12. A network deviceaccording to claim 1, characterized in that said print relatedinformation is acquired in case that said print related informationwhich has already been contained in said network device is judged to bedifferent from said print related information which has been containedin a prescribed location on said network.
 13. A network device accordingto claim 1, characterized in that said print related information isacquired in case that said print related information which has alreadybeen contained in said network device is judged to be required to bereplaced with said print related information which has been contained ina prescribed location on said network.
 14. A network device according toclaim 12, characterized in that said network device makes said judgementby itself.
 15. A network device according to claim 13, characterized inthat said network device makes said judgement by itself.
 16. A networkdevice according to claim 12, characterized in that said judgement ismade at a prescribed location on said network.
 17. A network deviceaccording to claim 13, characterized in that said judgement is made at aprescribed location on said network.
 18. A network device according toclaim 1, characterized in that the print related information acquiredfrom a prescribed location on said network is retained in said networkdevice, and said print related information is held to be available untilit is deleted.
 19. A network device according to claim 1, characterizedin that if, upon acquiring said print related information from aprescribed location on said network, said network device comprisespreceding print related information corresponding to said print relatedinformation which is acquired, said preceding print related informationis deleted.
 20. A network device according to claim 1, characterized inthat the print related information which is acquired from a prescribedlocation on said network contains information concerning a prescribedlocation on said network to be accessed upon the next acquisition ofsaid print related information. 21-36. (canceled)